Antonio Barragan does not expect to return to Middlesbrough after his season-long loan spell at Real Betis comes to an end next summer.

The Spanish full-back was one of a handful of players to leave the Riverside following Boro's relegation to the Championship, securing a swift return to La Liga in July after just one season in the North-east.

It was an indifferent campaign for the 30-year-old at Boro, initially starting well as a makeshift centre-back, but his form dipped dramatically following a hamstring injury and the defender failed to feature in any of the club's final five league matches.

Barragan's short-term stint at Betis could be made permanent at the end of the season, and in an interview with Spanish publication Sevilla ABC , the defender admits he does not expect to return to England.

"I want to stay here for a long time," he said. "My thinking is here and not elsewhere.

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"I arrived (here) at a good time because I (am experienced) but I still have plenty of years left to play.

"The motivation for any footballer is to improve every day and that's something that nobody can take away.

"We have been competitive since we were born. We want more and more. We never settle - not even to go home and be at ease. We sweat for the jersey, for this hobby to enjoy."

Antonio Barragan

Betis return to La Liga action on Sunday and it could be an emotional evening for Barragan as he lines up against former club Valencia.

The Boro loan man spent five years at the Mestalla and made more than 100 appearances for Los Che before moving to Teesside, and feels he goes into the game with valuable experience under his belt.

"From (Valencia) I took very beautiful memories," he said. "I arrived at 24 years old and I left at 29. I had bad and very good moments, like qualifying for the Champions League for three consecutive years.

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"You position yourself differently (with experience), you know how to read the play offensively and defensively.

"Experience makes you a little quieter at parties as you know what you have to do. In short, you are more prepared.

"Football leaves many scars. Bad years in which the coach does not trust you, injuries... Life hits you too, whether in football or in any job, but the important thing is to be psychologically prepared and to think that tomorrow will be another day working and trusting in yourself.

Antonio Barragan (L) of Real Betis (Image: Getty Images)

"As a young man you think that you are going to (take on) the world and that will never end, but with maturity and experience, you can enjoy things much more."

Barragan has taken little time to settle back into life in Spain, starting seven league matches for Betis and providing the assist in last month's memorable 1-0 win at Real Madrid.

Indeed, it's been an excellent start to the season for Barragan's loan club, sixth in La Liga just one place and one point below Zinedine Zidane's star-studded side.

"The (international break) is always used to reflect on things done well and those that need improvement," he said.

"We want a better Betis every time, with defensive and offensive consistency. We go from game-to-game and we are sixth, which is a privileged position."